Most loved for its locally-focused features, monthly publication Nelson Magazine has recently been awarded ‘Magazine of the Year’ for 2021 by the New Zealand Community Newspaper Association.
Competing against some of the best publications in the country, judges praised the local publication on its great editorial, target market advertising, photography and clean and clear presentation.
Beginning life in 2018 as a 32 page stapled edition, the magazine has grown exponentially and in popularity in the past four years. It is now perfect-bound and has bolstered its pages to an average of 92-100 pages per issue.
Celebrating its 50th edition this month, the announcement made on June 28, has come at a good time for the magazine’s director and editor, Sarah Board. “Fifty editions have come around very quickly. I feel like I can remember every story and every feature. To win an award like this as we reach this milestone has a very nice feel to it, it’s very humbling.”
She says winning the award is great reward for the team that put it together. “It makes me very proud of our entire team, that includes our sales staff, writers, designers but also all of our advertisers and readers. All have played a part in making the magazine what it is.”
No strangers to the industry, husband and wife team Andrew and Sarah Board, oversee a multitude of award-winning publications through Top South Media, including Marlborough Magazine, Nelson Weekly, Waimea Weekly, Marlborough Weekly, Top South Farming, Grey Power and the informative Nelson App and Marlborough App.
Committed to providing the only lifestyle magazine dedicated to the Nelson region, Nelson Magazine focuses on local features and the provision of great local content with a diverse readership. When asked about the secret to the magazine's success, Sarah believes it lies in the passionate team they have on board. “Our team all care so much about what we do. We take a lot of pride in every edition. Articles are carefully selected to include only local people. Nelsonians like to read about other Nelsonians.”
Acknowledging the growing support they received over the years, Sarah pays special tribute to those that help keep the wheels turning. “Without our advertisers we wouldn’t have a magazine, so first and foremost I’d like to thank our advertisers for being a part of the Nelson Magazine and allowing it to grow. As we have obtained more advertising support over the last few years the size has also increased which allows us to publish more stories and up our quality.”
Nelson Magazine continues to be a free publication that is available to be picked up from drop stands, delivered into the CBD, café’s and restaurants, waiting rooms and hotels.
The 6000 monthly issues that are printed go fast, so a subscription offer was introduced last year. For $49.95 you can have a copy posted every month for a year meaning you never miss out.
